As we approach the close of 2020, we would be remiss to let it pass without paying honor to Maine's 200th anniversary.
A Holiday Message
HolidaysIt feels comforting to celebrate the joy of the season with you all this year.
Over these past difficult months, we've all felt a shift. We've shifted our focus towards the people we value most in our lives, and finding new and creative ways to foster those relationships. We've shifted towards finding joy in life's most simple pleasures; towards the small but tangible treasures that we can see and hold and cherish.
Some of those small treasures we’ve been most looking forward to sharing with you are the pieces in our Atomic Collection, specifically the ones which feature our own Maine tourmaline stones. These pieces are especially important to us now, as they pay tribute to the beautiful, resilient place we call home.
The brilliant green-blue of the tourmaline stone is set within a rose gold or yellow gold bezel, and suspended within a frame of hand-forged white or yellow gold. We crafted the Atomic collection with fluid lines to create an earthy and organic feel - we think it’s an ideal match for a stone with its own natural beauty.
It has always been one of our core beliefs that beautiful objects, crafted by both artists and by nature, have the unique ability to open us up to joy and wonder. Being a small part of that celebration continues to be an honor, and we thank you for the opportunity to share what we love with you.
During this holiday season in particular, we hold tight to those simple opportunities for finding joy. We hope our jewelry can serve as a reminder that the world is full of surprises, beauty, and enchantment. If ever there were a time to focus on what's beautiful in the world, it is now.
Gingko Leaves - A Story of Hope
Holidays, GiftsGinkgo leaves are not only beautiful in their form and structure, but are celebrated symbols of hope, strength, and resilience. The tree on which the leaf grows - the ginkgo tree - is native to Southeast Asia, and now flourishes in parts of the United States as well. The lifespan of the ginkgo can be well over a thousand years, and its existence has been traced back to before the Mesozoic Era. Since other organisms existing at this time are now extinct, the ginkgo tree is considered a true “living fossil.”
Its historic existence and longevity is only one part of this remarkable tree, which has become known as an expert in survival. During the atomic explosion on Hiroshima, which devastated plant, animal, and human lives, ginkgo trees remained alive - and even generated new growth within days of the bombing. The distinct and elegant leaves of the gingko have come to represent peace amidst destruction; stability during upheaval; hope in the face of despair.
November Birthstone: Topaz
GiftsOctober Birthstone: Opal and Pink Tourmaline
GiftsSeptember Birthstone: Sapphire
GiftsPersonal Jeweler, At Your Service
Custom, Services, GiftsAugust Birthstone: Peridot
GiftsJuly's Birthstone: Ruby
Gifts, StylingJune Birthstone: Pearl + Alexandrite
Styling, GiftsAs if being born in the fresh bloom of spring wasn’t enough of a blessing, those lucky enough to have June birthdays also benefit from having multiple stones to commemorate their birth month. Both pearl and alexandrite are not only beautiful, but have unique histories and symbolisms. Read on to learn the fascinating bits about each one, but don’t feel you need to make a choice - there can certainly be room in your wardrobe to accommodate both.
May's Birthstone: Emerald
Gifts, StylingIn Honor of Mothers
Gifts, StylingApril's Birthstone: Diamond
Styling, GiftsConnection
ServicesMarch’s Birthstone: Aquamarine
StylingChristmas Gifts Under $250 She Will Wear Every Day of the Year
GiftsA dramatic, high priced jewelry piece is wonderful for a special occasion, but there are many pieces that fall in an affordable price range and also offer serious longevity in their wear. Below is a list of some of our favorite picks.
Handmade Hoops Trends come and go, but hoop earrings remain a staple in every wardrobe. Handmade hoops that are unique but still classic can be worn with jeans to the store or with a dress to a party. Classic silver lends itself to ultimate versatility.
Classic Silver Bangles One of the best things about a bangle is that it can be worn with other bracelets, or as a stand alone statement. Paired with another piece, it adds drama and interest; alone, it feels delicate and special. No matter what the occasion, a bangle never looks out of place.
Pearl Studs As soon as she has a pair of pearl studs in her jewelry box, she’ll realize just how often they feel like the exact right thing. As appropriate to wear on a kayak ride as they are to the theatre, pearls are the classic staple she may not know she was missing.
A Unique, Personal Piece It goes without saying that you want to know your recipient’s tastes well if you go this route. Assuming you have a good understanding of what is important to her and what style she leans towards, picking a piece that encapsulates that can be the most thoughtful gift of all. For instance, a woman who values craftsmanship, art, and finery will cherish these unique tulip earrings.
Coastal Themed Sentimental value adds a tremendous amount of worth to a simple jewelry piece. If your recipient is a lover of the Maine coast, a piece that celebrates the ocean can be a keepsake for her for many years to come. Something as simple as this silver lobster claw on a chain can remind her of family, friends, and her love for the place she calls home.
Still stuck on what to choose? A gift card is always an option - along with the gift of spending time shopping for something together!
Three Holiday Engagement Rings under $2,500
Engagement, CustomThere are many factors that may be on your mind while considering when to get engaged, but financial cost doesn’t have to be one of them. You can easily find an engagement ring pricey enough to warrant saving years for, or you can explore the option of a more modestly priced piece with just as much unique charm and beauty.
Celebrating Family Legacy through Jewelry
Gifts, Services, CustomHoliday Greetings from Keith
GiftsCreative Ideas for a Stunning Engagement Ring on a Budget
Engagement, Custom, Gifts, ServicesWe can all agree that purchasing an engagement ring is not a place you want to cut corners on quality or design. The ring you are using as a symbol of promise should be beautiful, well-made, and well-suited to your partner.
However, sometimes it’s not more money you need to secure that perfectly stunning piece, but a little more creativity. Here are some insider tips that will allow you to think outside the box instead of reaching deeper into your wallet.
1. Change up the size of the stone.
Do you think you can tell the difference between a .98ct diamond when compared to a 1.00ct diamond with your naked eye? Likely not. But you better believe you’ll notice a difference in the price! Most jewelers operate with “magic" sizes for stones such as .5ct, 1ct, and 1.5ct which typically demand a premium price tag. If you are willing to be flexible about the size of your stone, it could mean significant savings with barely any visual sacrifice.
2. Be open to different shapes.
When you think of a diamond, what you probably picture is a round shape of some sort. Circular-shaped diamonds are classic, but considering an alternative shape such as an oval, marquis, or pear could do more than just create a unique piece. These shapes actually appear optically larger on the hand when compared to a round diamond of the same weight.
3. Consider an alternative stone.
The center diamond makes up for the bulk of the price tag on an engagement ring. However, we have moved beyond the days when an engagement ring has to mean a diamond ring. There are a variety of gemstones in gorgeous hues that can be used as a center stone for a fraction of the cost. Consider a high-quality sapphire or spinel - both of which are stunning centerpieces and have a durability second only to diamonds.
4. Look at a variety of setting styles.
You may not consider the style of the setting as making a big difference on the appearance of the center stone, but it is an important factor. Some settings can dwarf the size of a stone, and some can actually make a stone that is on the smaller side look larger. Keep this in mind when you are comparing rings, remembering to look at the impact of the ring as a whole rather than just limiting yourself to the size of the stone.